Indecently, and Out of Order
Dearest Friends, We must never lose sight of why we were all fighting so hard. As one of my wise friends said, “I’m proud of you – those kids represented the hill you were willing to die on… and you died on it spectacularly.” There have been many hurt feelings. Those that dissented, as well as those who voted in favor felt they had no other recourse, and for that I am sorry. The firestorm of shouting, from the pulpit no less, and the lack of order or decency at the Annual Meeting only served to prove that there wasn’t a true discussion possible and no one “on that side” was looking for solutions, only justification. Personally, I believe this congregation will not heal until it’s true pastor is called and...
Read MoreIf The Fish Stinks, It’s From The Head
1-27-2012 Dear Friends, Below is an excerpt from an email I sent last night to our Session. It is important to note that in all communication here, and on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter – the opinions and suggestions are mine. I accept full responsibility for them, and their tone and intent. If there are any factual errors I will be happy to correct them. I sincerely believe this is an opportunity for us to come together as a congregation and fix this mess. I, and others, are deeply disappointed in the process by which this has happened, and the fact that after many, many people stood and voiced their support on Sunday, and pledged to help, the vote was still carried out, in haste, and in relative secret, disregarding them completely. I have had a...
Read MoreA Few Pertinent Questions and Answers
1-24-2012 Dear Friends, Yesterday I posted an update and a plea concerning the urgent situation at Community Presbyterian Church. I spoke with DOZENS of people during the day, on the phone, via text message, via email, Facebook, Twitter and Google+. That’s the beauty of social media. It seems that I answered virtually the same questions over and over, and it solidified the fact that there is SO MUCH MISINFORMATION out there. Let me address a few questions: I was told the Youth Budget isn’t being CUT, it’s being REORGANIZED – is that true? The budget eliminates the full-time Youth Director position whose salary comes from our General Fund, and leaves in place special Youth Fund. I have not been able to determine what that fund will be for,...
Read MoreDecently and In Order
(Note: The petition referenced below is now closed.) My Dear Friends In Faith, Christ gives to his Church its faith and life, its unity and mission, its officers and ordinances. Insofar as Christ’s will for the Church is set forth in Scripture, it is to be obeyed. In the worship and service of God and the government of the church, matters are to be ordered according to the Word by reason and sound judgment, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. - Presbyterian Book of Order (G-1.0100) Last night the Session of Community Presbyterian Church voted to approve a budget which eliminates our youth program and the position of Youth Director. Ken and I talked this morning and we still agree: We love being Presbyterian. We love Port Aransas, and most of all we love...
Read MoreA Presbymergent Ash Wednesday
I adore my faith. I’m really in love with my church. I love the little buildings, the food pantry, the youth room, the chocolates outside our church secretary’s office and the creaky old floors that rattle when anyone over 14 pounds walks on them. There’s a Grey’s Anatomy episode called, “Sanctuary” that’s one of the most powerful pieces of television ever written in my opinion. In voiceover, Meredith talks about the hospital being her church, her home and the place she loved most in all the world. That’s how I feel about my church. I love it. It’s my sanctuary. My home. It’s messy, and stressful, and there are stupid people that bug the snot out of me some days. I know they feel the same way about me....
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